Postdoctoral Scholar, Kenya Life Panel Survey (KLPS)

Postdoc: Kenya Life Panel Study

Description

The Center for Effective Global Action (CEGA), headquartered at the University of California, Berkeley, seeks an outstanding Postdoctoral Scholar (postdoc) to support research projects in development economics in Kenya. The primary goal of this agenda is to assess the longer-term impact of interventions for poverty alleviation and to use data collected as part of these studies in creative ways to further scientific knowledge. The studies seek to publish credible, rigorous research findings in leading academic journals, and create actionable evidence for policymakers. 

This will include the Kenya Life Panel Study—a series of evaluations exploring the health, educational, and economic impacts of mass school-based deworming interventions in rural Kenya. The postdoc will report to CEGA’s co-Faculty Director Edward Miguel, and collaborate closely with CEGA Staff Scientist Michael Walker. There will be opportunities to assist with other Kenya-based projects of Professor Miguel and Dr. Walker. 

Key Responsibilities

The postdoc will collaborate with Professor Miguel, Michael Walker, and co-investigators in economics, demography, health, and political science from CEGA’s academic network on research projects based in Kenya. These projects typically involve original data collection, and the postdoc will collaborate in the design, analysis, and management of data collection. 

A core responsibility will be contributing to KLPS. In particular, they will contribute to the development of a new survey measuring the living standards, labor market activities, and well-being of respondents in midlife, and will bring innovative ideas on topics and measurement to combine with questions from the panel fielded in previous rounds. The position will also develop statistical models and analyses using Stata, R, and other software packages, and publish the resulting findings. The postdoc will work closely with and support a team of 5-10 research associates and student researchers, providing them with regular technical input and managing their workflow. The postdoc will develop strong relationships with Kenyan organizations and collaborators providing research support and data collection services, and provide oversight and advice to these organizations in meeting the objectives of the research agenda, including facilitating the use of evidence among key stakeholders. Other key responsibilities include: managing data-centric components (including analysis, review, and technical assistance) for collaborative research projects and case studies, including developing work plans and timelines to ensure that deliverables are completed on schedule; authoring research papers using empirical approaches and disseminating findings/best practices to academics, donors and policymakers through meetings and presentations; contributing to grant proposals, progress reports for current funding sources, and strategic planning and partnership development for research projects with relevant stakeholders.

The postdoc would be encouraged to spend 33% of their time on individual research pursuits.

Required qualification:

  • A PhD in Economics, Statistics, Public Health, Political Science, or a related field at the time of starting the position.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Existing research agenda, with record of academic publication, related to international development, evidence aggregation, and/or the design of randomized experiments.
  • 1-3 years experience conducting empirical research on development topics, with an in-depth understanding of experimental design and analysis;
  • 1-3 years experience and competency with statistical software packages (Stata, R, and/or Python) and data collection platforms (e.g., SurveyCTO), and ability to render accurate statistical analysis;
  • 1-3 years experience translating complex material/research to broad, non-technical audiences;
  • 1-3 years experience managing large research teams;
  • Ability to independently investigate solutions to technical problems;
  • Outstanding written and oral communication skills, with the ability to translate complex scientific findings into accessible, non-technical language (via publications or professional presentations);
  • Ability to work well with teams, and communicate effectively with colleagues and faculty.
  • Ability to interact with individuals at all levels in a fast-paced environment, sometimes under pressure, while remaining flexible, proactive, tactful, resourceful, and efficient, and with a high level of professionalism and confidentiality.

Appointment Duration, Salary, and Benefits

This is a two-year full-time position with the possibility of extension pending funding. Starting annual salary for this position is set at $90,000 and standard UC Berkeley postdoc benefits will be provided.

CV, cover letter, writing sample, PhD transcript


Start Date

Flexible start date (Feb 2025-June 2025) with preference for candidates who can begin earlier.

How to Apply

Please submit the following when applying:

  • CV
  • Cover Letter
  • Copy of Your PhD
  • Writing Sample 
  • 3 academic references


Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please note this position is eligible for US visa sponsorship via a J-1 academic visa.

We use Submittable to accept and review our submissions.
Create Your Account Have An Account? Sign In